Streamwater nitrogen and forest dynamics following a mountain pine beetle epidemic: Insights from three decades of research at the Fraser Experimental Forest, CO

Charles C. Rhoades

Treesearch

Streamwater nitrogen and forest dynamics following a mountain pine beetle epidemic: Insights from three decades of research at the Fraser Experimental Forest, CO

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Charles C. Rhoades

Year:

2017

Type:

Science Bulletins and Newsletters

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2017. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

Download (PDF 759 KB)

Download (PDF 759 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/64923.pdf

Abstract

Wildfires, harvesting, and beetle outbreaks all have different effects on forest dynamics and biogeochemical responses. Responses to beetle outbreaks vary with forest species composition, understory conditions, tree size and age, and other factors. Larger trees are more susceptible to mountain pine beetle attack. Mixed-age stands at the Fraser Experimental Forest had lower overall tree mortality and greater recovery potential. These findings provide support for maintaining age, species, and structural diversity within headwater forests.

Keywords

Science You Can Use, SYCU, streamwater nitrogen, mountain pine beetle, Fraser Experimental Forest, forest dynamics, forest management

Citation

Rhoades, Chuck. 2017. Streamwater nitrogen and forest dynamics following a mountain pine beetle epidemic: Insights from three decades of research at the Fraser Experimental Forest, CO. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2017. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.